Milky Way Liberation Front

A pleasantly upbeat surprise from South Korea's digi-indie subculture, "Milky Way Liberation Front" reveals a potential talent in Yoon Seong-ho that could cross into the mainstream industry if the helmer-writer so desires. Pic about a young director who's trying to put together his first feature shows an ear for wry dialogue (with a nerdy tip of the hat to Woody Allen) and an eye for the ridiculous between its more sophomoric moments. Mid-range Asian-centered fests could bite.

Geeky Ryu Yeong-jae (Lim Ji-gyu) has writer's block over his first feature but vaguely knows it centers on a guy with aphasia. Ryu wants punky Japanese star Ray Kimura to play the lead, so during the Pusan Film Festival (where Ryu's short is playing) his producer tries to arrange a meeting. But then Ryu, who's just been dumped by his loyal g.f., Eun-ha (perky Seo Yeong-ju), develops aphasia himself. Colorful cast is fine down the line, especially Lim and Seo, and HD lensing is tops; however, editing could be tighter by at least 10-15 minutes. Pic even includes a few scenes, as part of the main picture, where actors laugh over their lines.

Camera (color, HD), Gweon Sang-jun; editor, No Yu-jeong; music, Park Yong-jeon; art director, Jin Gyeong-heui. Reviewed at Pusan Film Festival (New Currents -- competing), Oct. 6, 2007. Original title: Eunha haebang jeonseon. Korean, Japanese, English dialogue. Running time: 101 MIN.
 

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